[STRIKER] Start Now: Make Your Voices Heard
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ON every subject matter, from football to democracy and governance, almost every Nigerian (from teenage up) is an “expert!” Nigerians have strong opinions on almost every societal problem on which they also have readymade solutions. Across pubs, newsstands, worship places and all sorts of social gatherings, you can hear their loud voices on different issues that catches the day’s fancy.
However loud the voices are, are they truly heard? If heard at all by those who should hear, is attention paid to the opinions much else given due consideration and acted upon?
Individuals may rise to prominent social status that makes their opinions powerful and hard to dismiss, Prof Wole Soyinka and Rtd. General TY Danjuma, for good instances. However well the opinions of such statesmen approximate the collective wishes, the powers-that-be in any clime have a way of quieting them down.
Those who are keen to make their voices heard can always do so, and like we mentioned in a previous article, the primary thing to do is have solid knowledge on the subject at hand. In politics, we have said a study of all the Rule Books, beginning with the Constitution of Nigeria, is the way to go.
After the constitution, there are several other rules and regulation books that must come next, among which are The Electoral Act and the INEC Guidelines for political parties and election conducts. Once thus equipped with these and general knowledge of society, you are good to go.
Every adult (above 18 years of age) is duty-bound to be aware of his or her rights and duties as citizens. Once you reach that age and beyond, you are either in tertiary schools, working or unemployed. At all levels, there are associations formed to look after your interests. From your immediate community, the Landlord/Tenants Associations, The Community Development Association, The Association at Township levels, The Students Union, Alumni Association and Old Students Associations, Trades Unions and Market Associations, Religious and Cultural Associations, Farmers Associations, Youth Associations, Women Groups, et cetera, you need to take a good look around and develop interest in the activities of associations that capture your location.
It is by attending the meetings and contributing to the proceedings of these associations that you build a voice that increasingly matter, and eventually join in actions that positively help the cause. If you are not in any of these associations, join now. If you are already in there, don’t settle down as just a quite number. Make your voice heard sensibly, learn from others, grow in influence and grow the influence of the association. The only way to grow is by seeking and accepting responsibilities!
Governance and Democracy is not a 4-yearly Election Day affair. Politics is played every day, right from the family and the neighbourhood all the way to Aso Rock Villa. Having played commendable roles at these grassroots associations, the next level is to really make your voice matter in politics itself, and this too must start at the grassroots level. When it comes to this, the Party is all in all because in Nigeria it is the party that must provide candidates for elections.
There is absolutely no way of ever being elected into government positions outside being presented by the Party. There is a better chance of being appointed without being a card carrying party member, still such individual must have played considerable role for the party, indirectly. His or her voice and actions elsewhere, along with professional competence must have mattered, which is why it is key to make your voice heard in influential associations to the extent they make positive impact.
In conclusion, absence of popular participation is not the only problem of democracy and governance in Nigeria but it is a major one to be addressed. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. When there is a disciplined collection of reasonable voices, the chances of ignoring them, when they strongly articulate a progressive voice in a legitimate and legal way, is slim.
Therefore, start by taking a stand henceforth, get all the knowledge you need of the rules book and the society, belong to associations you should belong and join the party of your choice and begin to make your voices heard and take active part in building better communities, LGAs, States and the Nation. “Stop agonising, start organising.”
The opinions expressed in this publication are solely those of the author. It does not represent the editorial position or opinion of OSUN DEFENDER.
